July 23, 2002

WASHINGTON, DC -- Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) Tuesday announced that she will introduce a House Resolution to protect Falun Gong practitioners in China and the United States, and to expose Chinese government intimidation of local American officials to rescind their support of Falun Gong. Rep. Woolsey spoke at the U.S. Capitol on the third anniversary commemoration of the Chinese government officially banning the Falun Gong and promoting efforts to stop the spiritual movement. Rep. Woolsey will introduce the House Resolution tomorrow.

The following is an excerpt from Rep. Woolsey's speech:

"Three years ago the Chinese government began its brutal crackdown against Falun Gong practitioners. Since then, scores have been killed, thousands have been imprisoned, and untold numbers have been silenced.

"Shockingly, China's campaign against the Falun Gong has extended here to the United States. Chinese government officials have pressured American city and county government leaders to rescind their support of the Falun Gong.

"In a democratic nation that values free speech and freedom of religion, this action by the Chinese government is unacceptable, so I am introducing a Congressional Resolution to put an end to it.

"The Resolution I will introduce will expose Chinese efforts to intimidate local American officials. It will call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong members in China, the release of prisoners of conscience held in Chinese prisons, and urge President Bush to take tough action to prevent the Chinese government from continuing to strong-arm local officials that support Falun Gong here in the U.S.

"The Resolution is about defending human rights and democracy. In America, local officials have every right to support individuals and organizations that contribute to their local community. I am outraged that a foreign government would try to interfere with our democratic process.

"Many local leaders have an incentive to appease the Chinese government in order to continue international trade relationships. But, we must not abandon our values to fill our pocketbooks.

"We must make it clear that democracy and human rights are a priority in America and that persecution--including that of Falun Gong practitioners and those that support them--is intolerable.

All people deserve the right to live without fear and in accord with their own conscience."

The audience gave Congresswoman Woolsey a standing ovation.